1996 BMW R 1100RT vs 2004 BMW K 1200LT vs 2005 BMW K 1200LT

Full specifications comparison • 3 motorcycles

Comparing 3 motorcycles
1996 BMW R 1100RT 1996 BMW R 1100RT

Touring

Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
67.1 kW / 90 hp @ 7250 rpm
Top Speed
203.3 km/h / 126.3 mph
Weight
282 kg / 622 lbs
2004 BMW K 1200LT 2004 BMW K 1200LT

Touring

Engine
Single cylinder
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
779.3 pounds
2005 BMW K 1200LT 2005 BMW K 1200LT

Touring

Engine
In-line four
Power
72 kW / 98 hp @ 6750rpm
Top Speed
198 km/h / 123 mph
Weight
378 kg / 833 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year1995 - 962003 - 05
Colours-Anthracite Metallic, Impala Brown Metallic
Make ModelBMW R 1100RTBMW K 1200LT
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)-31.5 inches
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)-800 mm
Seat Height800 mm / 31.4 in. Optional adjustable: 780 mm / 30.7 in / 820 mm / 32.3 in770 mm / 30.3 in
Wheelbase1485 mm / 58.5 in1,633 mm / 64.3 in.
Ground Clearance153 mm / 6.2 in-
Height1380 mm / 54.3 in1,395 mm / 54.9 in.
Length2205 mm / 86.8 in2,505 mm / 98.6 in.
Width900 mm / 35.4 in920 mm / 36.2 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight256 kg / 571 lbs345 kg / 760.6 lbs
Fuel Capacity23 Litres / US 6.1 gal22 L / 5.8 US gal
Wet Weight282 kg / 622 lbs378 kg / 833 lbs
Performance
Top Speed203.3 km/h / 126.3 mph198 km/h / 123 mph
Braking (100 km/h - 0)41.3 m / 135.5 ft-
Braking (60 km/h - 0)14.1 m / 46.3 ft-
Max Power67.1 kW / 90 hp @ 7250 rpm72 kW / 98 hp @ 6750rpm
Max Power - Rear Tyre60.4 kW / 81 hp @ 6900 rpm-
Max Torque95 Nm / 9.7 kgf-m / 69 lb-ft.@ 5500 rpm120.00
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.3281 HP/kg
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.7 sec / 168.8 km/h / 104.9 mph13.3 sec
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)-2.8 x 3.0 inches
Engine Type-Single cylinder
Stroke-4
Fuel Control-DOHC
Displacement (ci)-71.45 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)-1171.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)-70.5 x 75.0 mm
Displacement1085 cc / 66.2 cu in1172 cc / 71.5 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, horizontal in line four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke99 x 70.5 mm75 x 70.5 mm
Compression Ratio10.7:111.5:1
Cooling SystemAir/Oil cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel Consumption6.1 L/100 km / 16.3 km/l / 38.3 US mpg6.0 L/100 km / 16.8 km/l / 39.5 US mpg
Fuel InductionFuel injectionElectronic intake pipe injection
Fuel Reserve-4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons
IgnitionElectronic ignition MA 2.2 Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 Bosch Motronic
LubricationWet sump-
Spark PlugBosch, FR6 DDC-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchDry, single plate,-
Final DriveShaftShaft
Gear Ratios1st 4.16 / 2nd 2.91 / 3rd 2.13 / 4th 1.74 / 5th 1.45:11st 2.050 / 2nd 1.600 / 3rd 1.270 / 4th 0.960 / 5th 0.700:1
Gearbox-5-speed
Transmission / Drive5 Speed5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel, backbone frameBridging frame consisting of die cast aluminium, engine de-coupled from vibration through bearings
Suspension - FrontTelelever with central spring strut & linear-rate coil spring. Twin-tube gas-filled shockMotorrad Telelever, stanchion diameter ∅35 mm, central strut
Suspension - RearParalever swingarm & shaft drive, single-tube gas-filled shock, variable rebound settingDie cast Aluminum single sided swinging arm with Paralever, central strut, spring preload adjustable to continuously variable levels by mean of hydraulic hand wheel
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in102 mm / 4.0 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear135 mm / 5.3 in130 mm / 5.1 in.
Electrical Systems
Alternator12 V, 700 W-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-11.2 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-285 mm
Brakes - Front2 x ∅305mm discs, 4 piston calipers2 x ∅320mm disc, 4 piston calipers, ABS
Brakes - RearSingle ∅276mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle ∅285mm disc, 2 piston caliper, ABS
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear160/60-ZR18160/70 ZR17
Wheel Ratio - Rear1:2.81-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2004 BMW K 1200LT

The 2004 BMW K 1200LT edges out the 1996 BMW R 1100RT thanks to its higher torque, lower seat height, liquid cooling and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

1996 BMW R 1100RT - Advantages

  • Lighter: 282 kg vs 378 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • More front wheel travel: 120 mm vs 102 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2004 BMW K 1200LT - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 115 Nm vs 95 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lower seat height: 770 mm vs 800 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Larger displacement: 1172 cc vs 1085 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

1996 BMW R 1100RT vs 2004 BMW K 1200LT - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 1996 BMW R 1100RT and 2004 BMW K 1200LT?
The 1996 BMW R 1100RT uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2004 BMW K 1200LT is powered by In-line four.
Which is lighter, the 1996 BMW R 1100RT or the 2004 BMW K 1200LT?
The 1996 BMW R 1100RT is lighter at 282 kg compared to 378 kg for the 2004 BMW K 1200LT - a difference of 96 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 1996 BMW R 1100RT or the 2004 BMW K 1200LT?
The 2004 BMW K 1200LT has the lower seat at 770 mm, making it more accessible. The 1996 BMW R 1100RT sits higher at 800 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 1996 BMW R 1100RT or the 2004 BMW K 1200LT?
Both are strong choices. The 1996 BMW R 1100RT has the edge in lighter kerb weight and higher front wheel travel, while the 2004 BMW K 1200LT stands out for higher torque and lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.